The Sardine Run is here, and that means loads of excitement along the KZN coastline; fishermen were spotted rushing their by-catches back to the ocean.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (21 June 2021) – This is fishing done right. A group of fishermen taking advantage of the Sardine Run off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal ended up with what appears to be several large yellowfin tuna. They rushed to get the big fish back into the ocean and off to safety.
The sardine run occurs from May through July when billions of Southern African sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the East Coast of South Africa.
It is such a spectacle because sightings of dolphins, seals, sharks and birds are more common, and you get to see them hunting like never before. It is a literal feeding frenzy.
Netters pull in incredible hauls of fish and sell them to eager sardine lovers. As with any fishing experience, there is a high probability that there will be a by-catch, but it is even higher during the sardine run.
These three netters were filmed rushing their by-catch, several large yellowfin tuna, back into the ocean where they can live to swim another day. It is being said this catch and release was made at Winkel. Many are calling this action honourable because the fishermen were honouring South Africa’s by-catch laws.
Take a look at the moment below.
Curious about recreational fishing regulations, the South Coast Happenings have a detailed article here.
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